SNL is the greatest job you can have as a comedian. Yes it can be an intense place too. But none of that will be because you are a woman. The only negative thing about being a woman on SNL is you will constantly be asked if there are negatives to being a woman on SNL.

When I first saw Kate perform in New York years ago, I thought, “This girl is going to be on SNL one day”. I am glad that SNL’s producers have caught up to NYC comedy fans in knowing this. Though it’s no secret to anyone anymore that women have a harder time getting and staying on SNL, everyone’s stint on the show is temporary, so there’s no use dreading or mourning the inevitable, whenever it comes.

Kate, they cast you because you create original, dynamic characters that you perform with a talent that is tenacious. They need you. So use the trends and topics the writers send your way to augment and strengthen the your characters and skills, rather than letting those things dilute and undermine the talent and skills that got you there in the first place. Collaborate by throwing yourself into things that are a stretch or hard for you. There should be at least one thing you are scared s—-less about doing onstage every week. It always makes for a great show and a better performer in you. Bring any hidden talents you have, or even think you have, to the fore (when you can) in ways that benefit the show — it will widen your breadth of work there and make you invaluable. And of course, make sure to keep writing your own original material throughout this process, to keep prepared for the time when the show eventually dispatches you to your next opportunity.